micro Flashcards
Rule 11 certifications
Attorney signs to best of knowledge, info, and belief that there’s a basis for claim
Must be warranted by existing law and evidentiary support. No improper purpose
Permissive joinder
1) Single trans/occ
2) Common q of fact/law
Compulsory joinder
Party needs to be joined or unfair
1) Necessary Party = impair interest
If can’t join bc jurisdiction, case may still proceed.
2) Indispensable Party = prejudice
If can’t join bc jurisdiction, case MUST be dismissed
Impleader
Allows D to add a nonparty who may be liable to D for all or part of P’s claim.
P may also assert a claim against 3P D, but only if court has SMJ or supplemental jurisdiction over the claim.
Permissive Intervention
1) Claim/defense has common q of law/fact
2) Court permission IS required
Interpleader
When a party owes something ($/prop) to 2+ people
Types of Class actions
Impairment of Interests/Prejudicial Risk, Final equitable Relief, Common Q
Class action certification, judgement, and settlement
Considers:
1) Size (numerosity)
2) Common Q (commonality)
3) Typical
4) Representation/Conflict (adequacy)
Request to produce
documents in other side’s possession, control, custody
Conference of parties
Court must have conference where parties submit discovery plan. Also mandatory scheduling conference “good cause” and final pretrial conference “manifest injustice”
Request to Admit
Must be written and conclusively established
Interrogatories
Only to a party (not nonparty). Must be written and answered in writing. Limited to 25.
Depositions
Party or non party, written or oral. Nonparty by subpeona, limit 10.
motions to compel
party not complying with discovery
Discovery sanctions
Court may order sanctions if one party has acted unreasonably. Start with minimal sanctions of fees/costs and work up to larger sanctions
Voluntary dismissal
When P voluntarily dismisses before answer or SJ. The first time is without prejudice
Default judgment
If a party fails to plead or defend, the clerk or court will enter default judgement.
Failure to state a claim
- Even if facts are true, there’s no recovery
- Insufficient facts
- Dismissal with prejudice
- May be raised before or at trial
Summary judgment
No genuine issue of material fact. Must be filed until 30 days after discover closes. Denial is NOT appealable. Burden is on moving party. Partial Judgement is allowed
Demand/Withdrawal for Jury
Demand for jury must be made within 14 days after service of last pleading. Demand may be withdrawn IF all parties consent.
7th Amendment
There must be at least 6 jurors and an unanimous verdict unless otherwise stipulated.
Jury instructions and verdict.
Must object before jury retires or waived for appeal. Verdict will NOT be set aside for inside juror prejudice.
Judgment as a matter of law (JMOL)
A reasonably jury wouldn’t have a legally sufficient evidentiary basis to find for nonmoving party. Evidence is viewed in light most favorable to nonmoving party
Raised by D after P’s case, or either party at close of evidence
Motions for a new trial
If:
- Error would’ve caused a different outcome
- Judge erroneously admitted/excluded evidence
- Improper conduct by party, W, lawyer, or jury
- Verdict is against clear weight of evidence
Must be filed within 28 days of entry of final judgment
Final judgment
Only final judgements may be appealed
Interlocutory appeals
Order given before final judgement. Generally not appealable
Claim preclusion (res judicata)
1) identical parties of privity (legal or special relationship)
2) same transaction or occurrence (identical claims!)
3) judgement on the merits (once there’s a final judgement you can’t bring suit again)
Issue preclusion (collateral estoppel)
1) identical ISSUES
2) final judgment that depended on determination of that issue
3) issue necessary to judgement
defensive use of issue preclusion
Same P, new D. New D CAN use issue preclusion as defense
offense use of collateral estoppel
New P, same D. New P CANNOT use issue preclusion against same D.
Statutory Impleader
1) Nationwide service
2) Any 2 claimants can be diverse
3) $500+ at stake
4) must deposit $/prop in court or bond
Intervention as of Right
1) Interest in property/transaction
2) Interest is impaired
3) NO court permission is required
Rule Interpleader
1) NO nationwide service
2) Complete diversity bw claimant and all opponents
3) $75k+ req
4) not required to deposit $
Protective order
Stop discovery for embarrassment, harassment, undue burden
Statutory Impleader
1) Nationwide service
2) Any 2 claimants can be diverse
3) $500+ at stake
4) must deposit $/prop in court or bond
Intervention as of Right
1) Interest in property/transaction
2) Interest is impaired
3) NO court permission is required
Rule Interpleader
1) NO nationwide service
2) Complete diversity bw claimant and all opponents
3) $75k+ req
4) not required to deposit $
Protective order
Stop discovery for embarrassment, harassment, undue burden
Appeals
Statutory Impleader
1) Nationwide service
2) Any 2 claimants can be diverse
3) $500+ at stake
4) must deposit $/prop in court or bond
Intervention as of Right
1) Interest in property/transaction
2) Interest is impaired
3) NO court permission is required
Rule Interpleader
1) NO nationwide service
2) Complete diversity bw claimant and all opponents
3) $75k+ req
4) not required to deposit $
Protective order
Stop discovery for embarrassment, harassment, undue burden